Hi,
It is neither sensible nor productive to have non-free patents in W3C
recomendations. W3C is helping with a very imporatant goal,
standardization and interoperability on the web. non-free patents will
only slow down progress and put more power to those with cash,
allowing them to further increase their hold.
The fact that non-free 'standards' are already polluting the web is
not a signal that W3C should embrace patented technology but rather a
signal that W3C should accellerate its efforts to finding suitable
replacements.
Historically W3C hasn't had a stance on patents on the web. That is
as it should be. non-free patents have no place in standards.
The fact that the IETF allows for non-free aspects to its
recomendations is unfortunate. I hope the W3C can resist the
temptation.
And by the way, in general you are all doing a fine job, just keep
non-free out.
Thanks,
David